Cargo-unloading apparatus for vessels



Sept. 23', 1930. R. w. EICTHENBER GER 1,776, 20

CARGO UNLOADING' APPARATUS FOR VESSELS I Filed Dec. 8, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 p 1930. R. w. EICHENBERGER CARGO UNLOADING APPARATUS FOR VESSELS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed D60. 8, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept. 23, 1930. R. w. EICHEN B ERGER CARGO UNLOADING APPARATUS FOR VESSELS Filed Dec. 8, 1928 1 l v .m nu

Patented Sept. 23, 1930' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

ROBERT W. EICHENBERGER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO ROBINS CONVEYING BELT COMPANY, OF PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY CARGO-UNLOADING APPARATUS FOR VESSELS Application filed December 8, 1928. Serial No. 824,754.

gressively receive the cargo and convey itto a suitably-located elevator adapted to lift the cargo to an upper level and deliver it to a conveyer which is operable to discharge the materialupon an adjacent dock or elsewhere. In such apparatus the elevatordetermines the maximum unloading capacity of the apparatus, but, as the elevator has heretofore been of the chain and bucket type,

the speed of operation thereof, under safe conditions, with buckets of practical size and proportions, has been limited to about-100 feet per minute.

The primary object of my invention is to provide, in an apparatus of the kind referred to, a rotary elevator of such construction that it can be safely operated at a much higher speed than a cham elevator with its many articulated joints, and in which rotary elevator the receptacles can be proportioned to adapt the apparatus to use in connection with conveyer belts, or other equivalent feeding devices, having relatively large limits of capacity.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention herein illustrated the 'rotary elevator comprises anannular structure having its axis of rotation in a horizontal lane, and having a successionof internal poc ets which open on the inner circumference of the struc ture, whereby the cargo, which is delivered to the pockets at the lower portion of the elevator, is lifted to a level near the top of the structure, and thence discharged, by gravity, inwardly of the structure. A moving sealing element is-arranged in close relation to and driven at-the same speed as the inner circumference of the elevator, on the up-bound side thereof, thus preventing the spilling of the ascending material, and at the same time obviating the otherwise sliding friction on the sealing element of the opposing upwardly travellin load.

The invention also comprises novel features of construction and combinations of parts which will be hereinafter described, and the scope of the inventionthen be defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a sectional view of the forward part of a vessel equipped with cargo unloading mechanism embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section through the hull, immediately forward of the rotary elevator.

'Fig. 3 is ahorizontal section of the elevator,

as on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the elevator and adjuncts. v

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical section of the elevator, as on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the elevator, as on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings, 10 designates, the hull of a vessel; 11 designates. the cargo space whereof the bottom embodies two longitudinal series of hoppers 12 having suitable gates 13 operative to regulate and control the discharge of the cargo from the respective hoppers; and 14 designates endless conveyer belts arranged beneath and longitudinally of the respective series of hoppers so as to receive the material thus discharged and convey it toward one end of the vessel. The belts 14 pass about suitably-arranged pulleys and are driven in the usual manner.

A rotatable elevator, which is mounted within the hull of the vessel, forward of the cargo space, is constructed and adapted to receive the material delivered by the conveyer belts 14, and thereupon transport it to a higher level. This elevator, in the preferred construction, comprises an annular structure 15, preferably of steel plates and structural steel shapes, provided with external circumferential treads or rails 16 seated upon suitably spaced rollers 17 su ported in brackets 18 located at the base 0 a substantial supporting frame 19 within which the elevator structure is arrangedfor rotation on s. horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the hull.

Within the annular structure, adjacent the outer edges thereof, are bolted lateral wall rings 20 which receive and support the ends of transverse vanes 21 that are arranged in spaced relation to afford in conjunction with the side rings and the annular body a circular series of pockets closed. on five sides and opening inwardly of-the structure.

The supporting frame 19, which is rigidly erected within the hull, preferably adjacent the forward part of the vessel, includes horizontal beams 22 located at the respective sides of the rotary structure, which beams support bearings 23 for the shaft 24'of guide rollers 25 with which the sides of the annular structure are in frictional contact. The fore and aft beams 26 of the hull are provided with suitably-disposed cross-bars 27 which afford bearings for-the shafts of a pairof vertical rollers 28 that embrace the sides of the rotary structure at the top thereof. Thus the rollers 25 and 28 laterally support the elevator structure and keep it in vertical alignment.

Any suitable means for rotating the annular structure may be employed. In the present instance, such structure is provided midway between its sides with a circumferential gear 29 with which meshes a pinion 30 on a transverse shaft 31 having its hearings in the frame 19. On this shaft 31 is a spur gear 32 in mesh with a pinion 33 on the shaft 34 of an adjacent electric motor 35. Hence, rotary motion is transmitted from the motor to the annular structure.

Arranged to empty into the lower pockets of the rotary structure are inclined chutes 36 which extend from the vertical legs 37 of hoppers 38 that are suitably supported aft of the rotary structure by the frame 19. These hoppers are positioned to receive the material from the delivery ends of the conveyor belts, 14, the head pulleys 39 for which are rotatable within the hoppers. Hence, as the upper runs of the belts progress toward the hoppers the material borne by the belts is dumped into the hoppers and directed thence to the underlying travelling pockets of the elevator.

In the rotary travel of the elevator the contents of its pockets are carried upward until the cargo reaches a level near the top of the structure, whereupon such cargo is dumped from each successive pocket into a hopper 40 supported by the frame 19 and underlying the top of the elevator. This hopper discharges the material directly upon the upper "run of an inclined unloading -belt 41 which is guided and supported by suitable pulleys 42. The drivepulley for the belt 41 is indicated at 43. (Fig. 1.) This belt 41 conveys the cargo deposited thereon to a level above the deck of the vessel. and thereupon delivers it to a hopper 44, which, in turn, discharges the cargo upon the underlying receiving end of a boom conveyer 45 of any usual or approved construction. (See Fig. 1.)

Since the inner circumference of the pocketed annular structure is open, as above described, provision must be had to prevent the spilling of the cargo during its upward travel in the successive pockets. To this end is employed a sealing element embodying, preferably, an endless belt 46 so arranged that its acting surface conforms with the curvature of the inner pocketed circumference of the elevator on the up-bound' side thereof, and travels at the same surface speed as such circumference: The belt 46 passes about upper and lower pulleys 47 48, respectively, the shafts whereof have their bearings in arcuate bars 49 rigidly supported on the frame laterally of and concentric with the annular structure. The acting run of the belt 46 is maintained in contact with the inner edges of the side rings 20 of the structure, preferably by means of a succession of pressure rollers 50 which are spaced sufficiently close to obviate any liability of leakage of the contents of the ascending pockets. The shafts of the rollers' 50 are supported by radially movable brackets 51 which are mounted in the bars 49 and are backed up by suitably-disposed springs 52 in a manner to bear against the sealing run of'the belt and hold it close to the elevator. (See Fig. 5.) I

Any appropriate means for operatively impelling the belt 46 concurrently with the rotary pocketed structure may be employed. The particular means illustrated for this purpose is as follows: Fast on one end of the shaft of the lower roller 48 is a gear 53 in mesh with a gear 54 on thoadj acent end of a opposite end of the shaft 55 is provided with a sprocket Wheel 56 which is connected by means of a. chain 57 with a sprocket wheel 58 on the driven shaft 31. Hence rotary motion is transmitted from the shaft 31 to the sealing belt. If desired the sealing belt may be driven by an independent motor.

The sealing belt'is an important feature of my invention, as in the absence thereof the sealing of the pockets in their upward travel would have to be effected by a stationary guard member curved to fit, with a working clearance, the inner circumference of the pocketed structure. Such clearance would necessarily allow a considerable leakage of the fine material in the cargo, and besides, a considerable portion of the material would be shifted upon and be actually dragged 'over the guard member, thus causing great wear on the guard member and consequent friction load incident to the changing positions of the claims.

belt is snugly held against the inner circumference of the pocketed structure by the pressure rollers 50, thus eliminating leakage, and in the second instance the belt is travelling atthe same surface speed as such inner circumference, thus, when the load shifts and rests against the belt, slidin friction is avoided in that there. is no relative movement between the belt and the travelling structure.

From the foregoing it'will be seen that my invention provides a cargo unloading apparatus embodying a rotary elevator which, although occupying relatively small compass within the hull of a vessel, can be safely run at a much higher speed than the chain and bucket type of elevator and can also be proportioned and adapted for efficient co-operation with conveyor belts, or equivalent means,

havinglarger limits of feeding and unloading capacity.

It is to be understood that my invention is not limited to the particular construction herein disclosed, as the mechanisms may be variously modified within the principle of the invention and the scope of the appended receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

2. In combination with a cargo vessel, an elevator including an annular structure mounted within the hull of the vessel, said structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner cir- 'cumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating said structure,

an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structureon .the up-bound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets, means-for causing the belt to travel with the pockets, means for supply-' ing cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

3. In combination with a cargo vessel, an elevator including an annular structure mounted within the hull of the vessel, said structure having a horizontal axis of rota- 131011 and having series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner circumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets, means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adj acent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

4. In combination with a cargo vessel, an elevator including an annular structure mounted within the hull of the vessel, said structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner circumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets, resilient means for maintainin said run in contact with the sides of the said pockets, means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

5, In combination with a cargo vessel, an elevator including an annular structure mounted within the hull of the vessel, said structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner cirwardl means for rotating said. structure,

an en ess sealing belt mounted adj acent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side.- thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to closethe open mouths of the pockets, an arcuate series of springpressed rollers for maintaining said run in contact with the sides of the said pockets, means for actuating said belt 'to impel the said runatthe same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the 'cumference of the structure and opening inv structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

6. In combination with a cargo vessel, a frame mounted within the hull of the vessel, a rotary elevator associated with said frame and having a horizontal axis of rotation, said elevator including an annular structure, side rings thereon, and vanes spaced apart between said rings to provide a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around and opening inwardly from the inner circumference of the structure, movable means for rotating said structure, means for sealing said pockets during their upward travel, means for causing the sealing means to travel with the pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of' circumference of the structure on the upbound side thereof, said'belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

8 In combination with a cargo vessel, a frame mounted within the hull of the vessel, a rotary elevator associated. with said frame and having a horizontal axis of rotation, said elevator including an annular structure, side rings thereon, and vanes spaced apart between said rings to provide a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around and opening inwardly from the inner circumference of the structure, means for rotating said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the upbound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and inclose relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, means for actuating said belt. to

impel said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

9. In combination with a cargo vessel, a frame mounted within the hull of the vessel,

tween said rings to provide a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around and opening inwardly from the inner circumference of the structure, means for rotating said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, resilient means for maintaining said run in contact with the side walls of the said pockets, means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each sue: ceeding pocket.

10. In combination with a car 0 vessel, a frame mounted within the hull o the vessel,

a rotary elevator associated with said frame having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, an arcuate series of spring-pressed rollers for maintaining said run in contact with the'side walls of the said pockets, means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same'direction as the adjacent pockets, means for supplying cargo to the lower pockets of the structure, and means adjacent the top of the structure for receiving and transporting the contents of each succeeding pocket.

11. A rotary elevator including an annular structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner circumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating said structure, -an endless sealingbelt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the upbound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, and means for actuating said bel o impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets.

12. A rotary elevator including an annular structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on live sides extending around the inner circumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side thereof, said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets, resilient means for maintaining said run in contact with the sides of the said pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, and means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets.

13. A rotary elevator including an annular structure having a horizontal axis of rotation and having a series of pockets closed on five sides extending around the inner circumference of the structure and opening inwardly, means for rotating'said structure, an endless sealing belt mounted adjacent the inner circumference of the structure on the up-bound side thereof said belt having a run conforming in curvature with and in close relation to the path of the open mouths of the pockets, an arcuate series of springpressed rollers for maintaining said run 1n contact with the side walls of the said pockets to close the open mouths of the pockets, and means for actuating said belt to impel the said run at the same speed and in the same direction as the adjacent pockets.

Si ned at Chicago, in the county of Cook and tate of Illinois this fifth day of December A. D. 1928.

ROBERT W. EIOHEN BERGER. 

